The 2025 NFL season culminates this Sunday as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots clash for the Lombardi Trophy. This Super Bowl LX rematch revisits Super Bowl XLIX, a game famously decided when Seattle opted for a pass from the Patriots’ 1-yard line instead of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson’s pass was intercepted by Malcolm Butler, securing the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl victory.
Few predicted this Super Bowl matchup back in September. It marks the first time since 1981 that the Super Bowl features two teams with preseason odds of 50-1 or longer. Sam Darnold’s arrival in Seattle wasn’t widely hailed as a game-changer, and Mike Vrabel’s Patriots were a significant unknown after a 4-13 season. However, this Super Bowl is unique in that it pits two teams that both ranked in the top four in both scoring offense and scoring defense – a rarity since the 1970 NFL merger.
The question on everyone’s mind: which team will prevail on Super Bowl Sunday? CBS Sports writers Jordan Dajani and Jared Dubin offer their insights.
Super Bowl LX: Where to watch Seahawks vs. Patriots
Super Bowl LX picks, predictions
Jordan Dajani
There’s a lot to be excited about with this Super Bowl. It’s the first matchup since 1981 to feature two teams with preseason odds of 50-1 or longer. No one anticipated these teams reaching this stage. We have a quarterback in Sam Darnold who could become the first to win a Super Bowl after playing for five different teams, while the Patriots’ Drake Maye could become the youngest player ever to win one. Then there’s the narrative of whether the Patriots could be on the cusp of a dynasty reborn under Mike Vrabel. Regardless of the outcome, I believe New England is building something sustainable.
Despite the excitement, this game could be a low-scoring affair. The key matchup to watch is the Seahawks’ defense against the Patriots’ offense. Seattle boasts arguably the best defense in the NFL, while the Patriots have averaged just 18 points per game throughout the postseason – the fewest by a Super Bowl team since the 1979 Los Angeles Rams.
This is the seventh Super Bowl since 1970 featuring an All-Pro quarterback (Maye) against the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense (Seattle). Historically, the No. 1 scoring defense holds a 5-1 advantage in these matchups. Mike Macdonald’s defenses have a 6-0 record against first- or second-year quarterbacks, allowing only two passing touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. Those quarterbacks include Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels.
Defense often wins championships, and I expect that to be the case on Sunday. As for the point spread, seven Super Bowl underdogs have lost outright but still covered. I’m taking Seattle to win and cover.
Prediction: Seahawks 20, Patriots 13
Jared Dubin
Seattle’s defense is simply too formidable. New England has struggled offensively throughout its playoff run, failing to deliver convincing performances against the Chargers, Texans, or Broncos. Now, the Patriots face what may be their toughest test yet in the Seahawks. Seattle can generate consistent pressure and is tenacious in the secondary, rarely allowing the big plays that characterized the Patriots’ passing offense during the regular season before it faltered in the playoffs.
The Patriots will need a strong running game and a reliance on short, controlled passes, and I’m not confident they can execute that strategy effectively enough to score a significant number of points. Interestingly, I might even trust Seattle’s offense more at this point, given the recent performances of Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kenneth Walker III. If the Seahawks can maintain a neutral or positive game script and avoid falling into a purely pass-heavy situation, I like their chances of winning.
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 16
